Thank You, Congressman Norm Dicks

Today, Congressman Norm Dicks, who represents the Olympic Peninsula and Bremerton area, announced that he will retire from the U.S. House of Representatives after 36 years of service to the people of the 6th Congressional District. 

Congressman Dicks has been a consistent and important advocate for hikers and public lands in Washington state. In 2007, he secured $45 million to help Mount Rainier National Park dig out from a catastrophic storm event. He served as Chair of the Interior Appropriations Committee for two years, during which time the Forest Service saw increases in critical funds for trails and outdoor recreation. 

In 2008, Congressman Dicks was instrumental in creating the Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Initiative. Funded at $40 million in its first year, this program has been instrumental in helping forests around the country maintain, repair and decommission roads that pose risk for aquatic species. Funded at $50 million in 2009 and $90 million in 2010, the Initiative has served hikers well, providing maintenance and repair funds so that many of our favorite wildlands roads no longer threaten the environment and remain passable.

Hikers across Washington State have benefited from Congressman Dick's steadfast work for our public lands. He will be missed.